Anzhela Batalova (Lekareva)

It’s difficult to tell about myself — to sing and dance would be easier. I’ve been on Gypsy stage since I can remember myself — mother used to take me to clubs and stadiums. In those times bands gave concerts in full stadiums. I sat on the grass clapping my hands. Then I was brought to the stage to dance. Since then I like worming up the audience. I love people’s shining eyes and smiles. It means they need us!

I’m a Russian Gypsy from Tver. In our family tabor dancing traditions are strong. My mother is a respectable choreographer and now I teach Gypsy dances too. I was lucky to work with many stars — Nikolay Slichenko, Nikolay Vasiliev, Valentina Ponomareva, Pyotr Demeter, “Romen” duet. I took part in Cannes Festival in France, in festivals in Poland and Dubai, toured in England. I like both stage and tabor styles. I feel comfortable in folk dress and sometimes during filming in the open air I think I was born for nomadic life. That’s why the idea of a traditional band is so close to me.

In “Romen” theatre I’m trusted with big roles, for example Maritanna in “Gypsy Countess”. I took the first prize in “Romansiada-2005”. And I want so much to contribute to work which brings us back to the roots!